The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its fight against smuggling and economic sabotage with the interception of prohibited goods worth over 6.7 billion Naira across different parts of Ogun State.
Speaking during a press briefing at Idiroko, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Olukayode Afeni, disclosed that the command made 73 seizures within 41 days through intelligence gathering and joint operations with other security agencies.
According to him, the seized items include 1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 10,126 parcels of cannabis indica popularly known as “Ghana Loud,” 2,685 kegs of vegetable oil, 14,550 litres of petrol, cartons of expired Maggi cubes, Analgin injections without NAFDAC registration numbers, second-hand clothes, sugar, footwear and used vehicles.
Afeni said the estimated Duty Paid Value of the seized goods stands at over 6.7 billion Naira.
He added that the command also intercepted 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa and six live pangolins, which have been handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and action.
The Customs boss described the seizure of the large quantity of cannabis as a major achievement in the fight against drug abuse and criminal activities among youths.
He warned that the smuggling of foreign rice and vegetable oil continues to harm local farmers, manufacturers and the nation’s economy.
Afeni further revealed that the command generated more than 125 million Naira between March 16 and May 12, 2026, through baggage assessment and auction of seized petroleum products.
He, however, assured compliant traders of maximum cooperation, noting that the command is now deploying modern digital and geospatial technology to strengthen border security and combat smuggling.
